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Advanced Certificate: SWAP Access to Health and Life Sciences

This course will provide you with the skills and qualifications required for entry to health and life science degrees, as well as professions allied to healthcare. Scottish Wider Access Programmes, (SWAP) courses, are for adults who have few or no formal qualifications and who have been out of full-time education for at least three years.

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Level:

SCQF Level 6

Study Mode:

  • Full time

Location:

  • Dunfermline

Start Date:

Aug 2025

Duration:

  • One year full-time

Who is this course for?

  • This course if for students who have been out of education for more than three years and meet the access to SWAP requirements.

What skills will I learn?

  • Knowledge of science at SCQF Level 5 and 6 and Mathematics  at SCQF Level 5 and 6.  Develops generic skills such as IT, numeracy and communication.

What will I study?

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • The Core Skills of ICT, numeracy, and communication will be developed

Application Information

What further study options are available?

  • HNC: Applied Sciences SCQF Level 7
  • Over 200 degrees at 12 universities - visit the SWAP East website to find out more about the degree progression routes with university partners 
  • Biomedical science degree

What career opportunities are there?

  • On completion of the degree course, you will be qualified to enter a career in health and life sciences this includes science courses such as biological sciences, biomedical sciences, forensics, marine biology and nutrition and chemistry courses, along with a range of allied health courses such as paramedic science, dietetics, OT, radiography and physiotherapy.

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Higher Mathematics

This course aims to provide successful performance in the SQA Higher Maths exam. Mathematics is very important when seeking employment or when applying to further or higher education. Candidates who complete a Higher Mathematics course successfully are expected to have a competence and a confidence in applying mathematical techniques, manipulating symbolic expressions and communicating with mathematical correctness in the solution of problems. Please note: Higher Maths is a fast-paced and very challenging course, and should only be undertaken by applicants who already have excellent knowledge and understanding of mathematics at National 5 level. Please see below the exam paper from 2019 which provides useful insight into the breadth and challenge of the course. https://www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers/papers/papers/2019/NH_Mathematics_all_2019.pdf